Why Landlords Need Gas Safety Certificates
A gas safety certificate, also known as a CP12 or Landlord Certificate is an official document that proves that the installation, appliances and pipework within the building meet specific safety standards. This is a vital requirement for landlords. It can help to prevent dangerous gas leaks, ensure there is adequate ventilation and much more.
What is what is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate is evidence that the gas appliances and pipes of the property have been inspected by a certified professional. Gas safety certificates are essential for those renting out their apartment, home, or studio as well as cottages, lake houses and studios that use gas appliances. The certificate proves that all health and safety standards are met by the appliances and the installation. Without a gas safety certification owners could be charged an imposed fine or even jail time should any issues arise in connection with the pipework or appliance.
The document usually contains information about the engineer that carried out the inspection, including their name and registration numbers. The document also shows the date and any findings. Signing the document ensures its authenticity and accountability for the inspection.
The certificate will also contain details about each appliance that were inspected in the property. Gas appliances are usually classified as non-compliant, immediately dangerous or at risk. Any appliances that are considered to pose a danger to the health and safety should be removed from the property before an updated certificate is issued.
The law requires landlords to have their gas installations and appliances inspected regularly. Inspections are designed to spot dangers that could arise and help prevent accidents or injuries caused by faulty or poorly installed gas appliances. Landlords are also accountable to ensure that tenants have access to the gas safety certificate for their property.
If a landlord tries to sell their property with an expired gas safety certificate, they could be breaking the law and could be subject to severe penalties, including prison time. It is therefore essential to keep a gas safety certificate up-to-date at all times.
If a landlord is in the process of preparing to sell their property having an approved gas safety certificate can enhance the chance of a speedy sale by putting prospective buyers at ease about the condition of the appliances and their installation. It can also be used as an argument for selling the property for sale.
Who is in need of a Gas Safety Certificate?
Landlords are legally required to provide a gas safety certificate to every tenant who moves into one of their properties. This document proves that the landlord has arranged for all chimneys and appliances to be maintained by a qualified engineer. It's also a crucial element to ensure the safety of gas appliances in the property.
If the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations and conducts an inspection, they could be at risk of being slapped with a substantial fine. Landlords are also liable for any deaths or injuries caused by the absence of a valid certificate.
The CP12 certificate is not required for homeowners, however it is recommended they have their appliances and piping checked regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that everything is in good working order. This is especially important if they are planning on selling their home, as potential buyers are likely to ask to see the gas safety record prior to completing the purchase.
In general, the header will include information on the engineer that performed the inspection. This should include their name as well as their registration number and the date of the inspection. The body of the report will detail the findings of the inspection and include whether appliances or pipework was considered to be unsafe or required repair. If issues are discovered the engineer will ask permission to shut off any gas supply and recommend any repairs that are required.
Landlords must also provide tenants with copies of the CP12 as soon as possible after the inspection has been completed. Tenants with existing leases are required to receive the CP12 within 28 days of the inspection. It's recommended to give a copy to new tenants before they move in, so they are aware of issues that could affect their safety. Landlords should keep a copy of their old CP12 gas safety certificates since this can help them demonstrate that they have met their obligations in the past. Mashroom's user-friendly platform allows you to quickly and easily arrange a gas inspection if you are a landlord or homeowner.
Gas Safety Certificate
If you are a landlord and don't have a gas safety certificate, you should obtain one as soon as possible. It is a legal requirement and it ensures that your tenants are safe in your property. If you select a company that specializes in this kind of inspection, they will help you through the procedure. Landlords can also face massive fines or even jail time if they don't comply with the laws, so it's better to be secure rather than sorry.
It is the responsibility of landlords to schedule an annual gas safety test to be carried out on the appliances they have in their homes. They must also provide their tenants with an original gas safety certificate prior to when they move into their new home. This will give them peace-of-mind that the appliances are safe in their new home. It is also a way to show that they have fulfilled their obligations.
During the safety check the engineer will examine the gas appliances and pipes in the property. This is to ensure they are safe. They will look for things like carbon monoxide, which can be produced when appliances aren't burning properly and could cause death if it is inhaled at a high rate. The engineer will also check that the flues and property is free of gas leaks.
Landlords who are preparing to sell their property may discover that potential buyers require proof of gas safety tests that have been carried out on the property. This can be an important selling point for a property and may help speed up the process of selling.
If a landlord does not have a current gas safety certificate, they will need one before they put the property up for sale. This will reassure buyers that the property is secure and could increase the interest. The sale could be cancelled if the seller is unable to provide a valid certificate of gas safety.
Maintaining a Gas Safety Certificate
Gas is an energy source in a multitude of homes and businesses. Therefore, there are strict regulations in place to ensure that the gas systems used in these structures are safe and do not cause any harm. This is done by regular inspections and checks by Gas Safe registered engineers. The landlord is responsible for arranging and recording the results of these tests. This information can be shared with the tenants of the building, giving them the peace of mind knowing that their landlord is concerned about their safety.
Landlords are also reminded that the Gas Safe certification is only valid for 12 months. Therefore, they must make sure to book an appointment to take a new test and certification before this date. This will help to avoid any fees or penalties for not attending appointments. It is a good idea to ensure that the same engineer inspects the vehicle every time. This will save you time and money.
Before the inspection can begin before the inspection begins, it is crucial for the landlord to make sure that they are ready. It is crucial that the landlord prepares for the inspection by clearing all rooms to allow the engineer access to the entire property. It is also recommended to take out any clothing or objects which are close to the gas appliances. This will help to avoid accidental ignitions of these items and reduce the chance of a fire.
The gas engineer will carry out an extensive inspection of all gas appliances and installations inside the property. This will include checking that the appliance functions correctly, that the pipework is safe and it is able to flow freely through the property without obstructions. They will also ensure that carbon dioxide, a bi-product of gas combustion, is not stored in the home.
Once the inspection is complete and the engineer has completed the inspection, he will issue the Gas Safety Certificate (or Record) to the landlord. The report will contain the results of the gas appliance inspection, and the appliances that are deemed Not to Current Standards or Immediately Dangerous or at risk. Landlords must keep the record for their own records and provide it to any existing tenants within 28 days. They should also provide an original copy to any new tenants at the beginning of their tenancy.